Question

An ideal gas is compressed to half its initial volume by means of several processes. Which of the process results in the maximum work done on the gas?

• A. Isochoric
• B. Isothermal
• C. Adiabatic
• D. Isobaric

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Adiabatic

Answer 2

The P-V diagram of an ideal gas compressed from its initial volume $V_0 \, to \, \frac {V_0}{2}$ by several processes is shown in the figure.

Work done on the gas = Area under P-V curve
As area under the P-V curve is maximum for adiabatic process, so work done on the gas is maximum for adiabatic process.